Blues boss heaps praise on his players and challenges them for more
Chris Wigger knows big tests ahead and tells his team to be brave
BLUES boss Chris Wigger has challenged his players to push for a play-off spot, and he’s praised their attitudes ahead of a big Saturday clash away at league leaders Kettering Town.
The Blues are eight unbeaten in all competitions and have moved up to eighth in the table ahead of this weekend’s match.
And Wigger has nothing but praise for his squad who have put together the unbeaten run.
He knows they face tough tests ahead, with injuries to Eddie Jackson and Wyatt Hill not helping the situation. But Wigger has huge faith and confidence in his squad.
“The loss of two very important players has not come at the best of times. Both are having very good seasons,” Wigger said.
“But the win at St Ives put us up to eighth and the points return we currently have is very good. It’s put us in a position where we can look up, and if we have a few more decent results, get something out of Saturday, we could potentially push ourselves into the chase for a play-off spot which would be fantastic to be able to achieve going into Christmas.”
While the Blues are now missing Jackson and Hill, there has been a return to the team recently of midfielder Albie Armin, while club captain Seb Dunbar continues to close in on a return.
“Seb is getting closer and closer, but he’s not there yet,” Wigger said. “It was great to see Albie score on Saturday. He understands we have a very competitive squad and if you find yourself out through injury you must be patient, work your way back in. He’s been working hard in training, as have all the other lads who find themselves out of the starting XI.
“They all have great attitudes and work hard, including doing extra training. It’s good to see and shows the collective mentality we have among our young players.”
So, what is the manager looking for now from his team as they head towards the end of the year?
“I said to the boys on Saturday before the St Ives game, where do you want to go now?” Wigger said.
“I know where I want us to go. We picked up seven from nine on the road and five from nine at home. Two points a game is where we want to be at. I said to them, how brave do you want to be on the pitch? St Ives was a brave performance. We went 0-1 down, but we didn’t’ buckle and stuck to our plan.
“So, if you ask me what I want? It’s the same as the players, a push for a play-off spot.”
TOMORROW: Chris Wigger looks ahead to Kettering test.